Being the apparel manufacturing and export powerhouse as it is, Bangladesh has the potential to become a significant trade hub and a connecting link for businesses spanning the ASEAN, South Asian, and South East Asian regions.
This view was expressed recently during a meeting in Dhaka by FBCCI Vice President Joshoda Jibon Deb Nath.
He conveyed this perspective during a courtesy call with Vuong Dinh Hue, the President of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Jibon Deb Nath highlighted Bangladesh’s impending graduation from the category of Least Developed Countries (LDC) in 2026 and its aspirations to establish Free Trade Agreements (FTA) and Preferential Trade Agreements (PTA) with the emerging economic powers of Southeast Asia.
He noted that strengthening bilateral trade with Vietnam would open up new markets for Bangladesh, particularly within the ASEAN community. At the same time, he pointed out that ASEAN is actively seeking economic and trade relations with both developed and developing nations. Given Bangladesh’s economic potential and geographical location,
Jibon Deb Nath suggested that Bangladesh could serve as a bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia and explore the possibility of a regional comprehensive economic partnership (RCEP) with ASEAN, fostering a mutually beneficial trade relationship.
Jibon Deb Nath also highlighted the historical ties and common struggles for sovereignty shared by Bangladesh and Vietnam, marking the Golden Jubilee of their diplomatic relations even as he expressed interest in expanding investment and business collaboration between the two nations, including joint ventures in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to diversify export offerings.
